Carp Challenge 2026

Target: 50 carp, including 10 doubles. With the hot weather hindering the barbel fishing I thought the Summer Challenge should be focused on carp. The 50 carp element was easily beaten with the help of a commerical carp pond, so the challenge became about the doubles.

	Carp:	233	(77 non-commerical)
	Doubles:	27	(to 15lb 4oz)

I landed carp from 4 venues (3 ponds & one from the Small River) and had doubles from all the ponds. Great fun (and I may add some more yet depending on the weather). Next summer I might have to put what I've learnt into practice & try and track down a twenty. Doubles below ↓

Clouded & Jacked

Twenty-six Clouded Yellow butterflies spotted - beautiful!


And a couple of jacks on lures to kick off the pike season - fantastic!

Wandering Water

Just wandering about on the Small River, flicking a piece of meat at the fish I spot. Nine barbel & 6 chub for company - lovely!

Running Wild

It's good to be back on running water...


Quick afternoon mission to the Small River...


And 15 barbel (mostly 4-6lb) and 4 chub (to 4lb) found the net...


Including this little mutant with no pelvic fins. Love a mutant fish!

Freaky Farm

Last trip to The Farm Pond before hitting the rivers - although I will be back later in the year after those perch (and possibly a winter carp). Three carp fell for my bloodworm pop-up (I know, getting technical), including the freaky mirror at 8lb 0oz. Right, off to running water...

The Puddle X

Last trip of the year to The Puddle (probably). And a couple of carp - including double #27 at 11lb 8oz - to wrap up! Tricky little pond but 17 carp including 8 doubles slipped up. Lots to think about - I'll be back...

Rain, Glorious Rain

It's raining. Proper rain! I know I'll soon be complaing about endless floods - but the rivers are desperate for it right now. And while I'm waiting for the water to find it's way into the rivers - a few more carp between the storms to wrap up the summer season. Lovely.






Double #26 (above) at 10lb 12oz

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Meanwhile James has been continuing his barbel 40 River Double Challenge - double number 33 on the scorecard - could it be a new river record? Blog post is here.